Lenders

Lender Spotlight: Julia McCreight, AuburnBank

August 24, 2016

Lender Spotlight:

Julia McCreight | AuburnBank, Auburn

Julia McCreight is a name you should know if you follow us on Facebook. That's because she was the winner of our recent #LendersTakeASelfie contest! Julia's selfie with Jason and Kaitlin Smith's family got nearly 900 votes, and won Julia a $1,000 gift card as well as a $1,000 gift card for the Smiths. Julia has been in the mortgage business for more than 30 years, and has been with AuburnBank for 26 years.

Q: How did you hear about AHFA programs?
A: I was researching new loan programs for AuburnBank's mortgage loan department using the internet and checking with other lenders. I have always wanted to have loan programs that help a first time homebuyer purchase a home. And not only first time homebuyers, any customer that needs a loan product that has more flexibility than your conventional 20% down payment requirement.

Q: What do you think is the greatest benefit of Step Up?
A: The greatest benefit is the 100% financing, which allows people who are credit worthy but have not been able to save a down payment to purchase a home. I have closed loans for customers who have rented for years because they thought they had to have a 20% down payment to buy a home.

Q: What do you enjoy most/find most rewarding about your job?
A: I love my job, but the most rewarding thing is to help people buy their first home. It is so exciting to see the look on their face when I tell them they can qualify for a mortgage loan and can move forward to find a home. I have reached out to Realtors to promote this program and educate them that people can get 100% financing, which allows them to serve more customers that want to buy a home but do not have a down payment yet. I have had customers who have rented for years and had past hardships who wanted to buy a home so bad, but were unable to save for a down payment. Their rent payment would be more than their new house payment. They are so proud and grateful to me for helping them. It just gives me pride to know that I have helped fulfill customers' dreams of being a homeowner!